Fabulous Tour de Fat

FABB had a full contingent of volunteers at Tour de Fat yesterday. We greeted cyclists at the ID/Wristband station located across from the crazy bike pit where cyclists tried to ride laps on trick bikes. We not only had a great time but we also raised some money for FABB.

Four of us met in Vienna at 7am and rode about 25 miles to Yards Park for the morning shift that began at 9am. We parked at bike valet provided by the folks at MORE. All volunteers received free t-shirts and two tokens for New Belgium Brewery beverages. New Belgium, makers of Fat Tire Ale, sponsored the event which raised funds for WABA, MORE, and FABB.

It was a fantastic celebration of all things bike that started with a short bike parade of costumed riders on every kind of bike imaginable. Check out our video of the start of the parade:

After the parade cyclists returned to the main Tour de Fat area at Yards Park not far from Yards Stadium where the Nats were playing the Yankees at 1pm. There were activities happening throughout the park including the tire toss, Le Tigre performances, the bike pit, life-size Jenga, and performances by acts including Mucca Pazza, Ian Cooke, and Yo-Yo People.

There was also a craft area, displays by various bike-shops and organizations, food stations (although by the looks of the long line there needed to be another hot dog vendor), and of course several flavors of New Belgium beers.

Here's a short video of some of the action at the bike pit. It gives you a good feel for what the event was like, with lots of laughter heard in the background.

Did we say we had a great time? Let's hope Tour de Fat returns to the DC area next year. Congratulations to WABA and especially to Nelle, WABA's events person, for doing such a great job organizing the event. And thanks to the great folks from New Belgium Brewery for helping promote biking and supporting bike advocacy in the DC area.